Toyota Fortuner: Is it worth the RM 1.6 million price tag?

Evolution-wise, cars and motorcycles are the most resistant to change. Take for example the Suzuki Swift. While each generation brought in something new to the table, it is only recently that Suzuki went all out and pulled off a different look. A look that will tell people that this isn’t the Mini Cooper rip off, but something which came from Japan. Another car which is quite appreciated for its ruggedness is the Toyota Fortuner. The third-gen SUV looks nothing like its predecessors and in fact is now more sophisticated. It has gone down the modern route so much that, the aspiring off-road enthusiasts now think twice before putting it on the off-beaten path. The main reason is the RM 1.6 million price tag and of course those looks which suggest now that it could be a dainty SUV. It's not the butch one we have known the previous generation for. So, the question worth exploring today is, if the Fortuner is worth the RM 1.6 million price tag? Let’s find out.

Somewhere down the line, it looks like the company put in a lot of money, in the way the SUV looks. Look at the amount of sophistication on the face. It will give you a hint of what we trying to convey here. The LED headlights, we are sure, none of the owners will want to damage. Replacing them will cost a lot of money. So will the expensive looking bumpers, the one you might damage when you try to negotiate a rather steep looking puddle. The cabin seems like, it could have done with a tad more features or the so-called sophistication of the outside. We love the tan leather seats and they are comfortable as well as good to look at. The older Fortuner had a much more durable fabric and one we didn’t mind much, before sitting with our soiled pants on.

Toyota diesel, as well as high capacity petrol engines, have always been a bit louder. More so in the case of the new Toyota Fortuner. It doesn’t even attempt to mask any diesel clatter and instead focuses more on the utility part. The engine hum is and will be your constant companion even with the music system on. Come on, petrol engines can be refined. Please. Mercedes, Audi and even Proton have petrol engines which are barely audible and here this iron lump is constantly on the boil. Speaking of which, the touchscreen audio system given in the Fortuner isn’t certainly befitting a car that costs more than RM 1.5 million. It’s a lot of money and for that, Toyota could have fitted in more sound insulation as well as a better graphics-equipped sound system and speakers.

On the topic of engines, the transmission deserves a slap for being dim-witted and slow. Agreed, the Fortuner isn’t one for drag races and with the upgrade to an all-new generation, Toyota could have done well to preserve its integrity and gone for more modern transmissions. We also understand that all this has been done in the name of ruggedness in the very chassis.

That RM 1.6 million sticker price is perhaps an indication of how things will be post the purchase of the SUV as the service costs are relatively very cheap. It seems as if the customer is paying for the service costs bundled into the price of the SUV itself.

Coming to the price and if it is justified? Well no, it isn’t. You actually don’t know where your money has gone. Try and check the Ford Everest. You will instantly recognise and agree to the pay the same price. It is that good and blends utility with premiumness very well. For those who have already bought the Fortuner, refer the sentence above and you will realise that you’re buying into the legendary Toyota. Where premium may well be at a premium, while longevity and reliability are woven into each and every product you buy. Price notwithstanding!